IT WAS all systems go when FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke officially opened SAFA u.17 2014 championship.
The u.17 championship will run from April 2 to 5 at Nike Training Centre in Soweto.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan were side by side at the opening ceremony of the championship, when it was officially opened in rainy and cold weather conditions.
“This is a very important tournament, because the u.17 players are the feeding ground for the national team, “said Valcke, “The 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy will be utilised to identify young talent at this level and nurture them through to senior level.”
“All the selectors are here to identify talent, and we will then select a national team to play in the international competitions, and the players will then go through the ranks,” said Dr Jordaan. “We will also make sure that the playing grounds and all necessary equipment needed for the young players are put in place for their development.”
Twelve teams, nine provincial sides and three Premier Soccer League sides, will battle it out for the national crown. The three PSL sides are Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.
